Review: Dan The Drum x Chris Bangs - My Tune EP ft. Jasmine Rose (Ramrock Records)

Dan The Drum is getting in the habit of teaming up with folks to produce something that excels the parts; in this case it's DJ Chris Bangs and Jasmine Rose that combine to make 'My Tune' hurt so bad as a modern Lovers Rock version of 1978 hit by The Cool Notes!

Regular readers will recall the Dan's collaboration with Carmy Love's version of 'Hurt So Bad' ft. Darren Morris with guests Joseph Nesbitt Larkin and Carl Davies (see review HERE) and the remixes (see review HERE) plus Dan's tribute to UK House with Sutart Patterson, 'UK House Sermon' (see Interview HERE).  So no real surprise when Chris Bangs and Dan the Drum got together after Dan delivered several sophisticated house remixes on Chris x Dave Lyn’s latest track, ‘Children of the Sun’ they'd subsequently that they'd so a 1976 style Carnival track for the heatwave of 2026 - "What about a cover version of the 1978 Lovers Rock hit 'My Tune' by The Cool Notes?" says Chris.  And Dan says, "Yes I" (or even more accurately, "Yes, I & I") - also check out David's album 'The World I Hear' from a cople of years ago (see review HERE).

So a bit of a surprise that when the original came out in a period, Chris was holding down a Saturday night jazz-funk night in Bournemouth at the Exeter Bowl (as per J-Jazz deep digger Mike Peden and confirmed by Chris himself - see review HERE) and before Dan Spalding was dubbing down Manor Park/Romford Road; or would that have been Elton's in Seven Sisters or the Mecca on Tottenham High Road?

But what is clear is that they're inspiration on both of their musical journeys makes this release both a celebration of the original and a heartfelt nod to the sound that embraces roots, romance and culture. 

The duo’s fresh interpretation on the original pays tribute to the timeless sound of Lovers Rock, bringing a contemporary, respectful warmth and depth to the new co-production. This huge summertime anthem encapsulates everything that is fabulous, with Chris and Dan unleashing their prodigious production and arrangement skills on the beautifully ethereal vocals of Jasmine Rose, Joe Nesbitt Larkin’s insanely deft guitar work, Carl Davies’s masterful saxophone playing and Darren Morris’s brilliantly authentic keyboards. 

The enigmatic Dr R.E.Y provides an Augustus Pablo inspired, melodica dub. ‘My Tune’ is a super sweet Lovers Rock outing on Ramrock Records, mixed and mastered by Darren Morris at North Street West studio in Hastings and also saluting CB’s youthful 70s DJ career at his Friday night residency at South Harrow’s legendary ‘Bobby McGee’s’ night club. The original Cool Notes vibe has been brought up to date and has all the hallmarks of a 21st century Lovers Rock classic, introducing it to a new generation of listeners.

It doesn't seem fair that we won't have the chance to dance to this at the much missed Wilkswood Reggae Festival - Peace, Dub & Harmony in the Woods By The Sea (Think Notting-Hill-by-the-Sea - see P.S. below) but any Sound System that does play any of the 3 versions will be getting a load of love this summer.

P.S. Any fans of Dubheart will want to get down to Chaplin's Cellar Bar on Friday 21 August to celebrate ate the life of bongo master Steve Parsons!! RIP

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: RR015 - Dan The Drum x Chris Bangs 'My Tune' EP | Dan The Drum x Chris Bangs ft. Jasmine Rose | Ramrock

Artist: Dan The Drum x Chris Bangs 
Title:   My Tune EP ft. Jasmine Rose (Original, Dr R.E.Y Meldica Dub, Instrumental Mixes)

Release date: 14th September, 2026
Label: Ramrock Records
Cat. No: RR015
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

In case you didn't know, Chris Bangs is the 'Cock Happy' meat in the Gilles Peterson, Eddie Piller jazz sandwich.

Of course, 'Cock Happy' being an early jazz night with Peterson and one of his many projects that are based on jazz-funk/Latin/club dance floors that's kept his ear to the groove for decades.

Thankfully, he still remembers the good old days of Special Branch and summer jazz nights at Bournemouth's #1 spot at the Exeter Bowl (that was also attended by none other than Mike Peden, he of 50% of the J-Jazz Series on BBE, see review of the latest release HERE, Aki Takase Trio, 'Song For Hope', the title track was recently played on IDA Monday morning show outta Talin!)

So yes, one of the highlights of any jazz night would be Flora Purim's 'Empty Faces' but there are now many a versions. This one by on the double A face is fast 'n' furious with twangy Latin guitar with classic vocals al la a pure Sade (in top gear) by Deniese from Brazil.

And I haven't even mentioned the A-side yet!  If you can get a cover version of José Feliciano's 'Affirmation' on a dancefloor, Bangs is the man to do it; José most famously known for his cover of The Doors' 'Light My Fire' of course.

Both tracks are have been on all the big heads playlists around the world (Gilles Peterson, Colin Curtis, Jazzcat , Kev Beadle, Snowboy, Perry Louis, Bob Hill etc) so be sure to get a copy of the 7" or the full album, 'Ritmo Da Vida' from which these special edits have been taken - the perfect antidote for Record Store Day.

P.S. For those still waiting for the J-Jazz Masterclass book by Higgins/Peden I'm told it's on it's way, literally on a boat, and look out for a contribution from Mr. Bangs.   

Artist:   Nova Vida (produced by/arranged by Chris Bangs)

Title: Affirmation / Empty Faces ft. Deniese

Release date: 8th April, 2024

Label : CBi Recordings

Catalog Number : CBXV1005

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp